[Image:  Indian Pipe (aka Ghost Plant and Corpse Plant) (Monotropa uniflora) is a herbaceous plant that occurs across most of North America and even in Asia.  Although widespread, it is generally scarce or rare in occurrence.  It belongs to its own family, Monotropaceae.  The scientific name translates to “once-turned single flower." Growing beside my camp] Feeling happy and hopeful.  Monday, October 3, 2016.  Left Kingsport about 2:15 p.m. under bright, but cloudy skies.  Quick trip the 70 or so miles to Wytheville, Virginia.  Gorgeous drive, as usual.  Stopped on edge of Wythe/Smyth County line and got gas for $2.05 per gallon.  Took a few pictures out windshield.  Stopped in Wytheville and picked up some groceries and bottled water.  Arrived at campsite a little after 5:00 p.m. and found place totally deserted - as usual.  Bonus!  Previous campers had left some wood.  Bonus 2! NPR radio loud and clear on the little battery-powered radio I took.  Tent up very quickly, thanks in large part to the new tent stakes I picked up at Harbor Freight the other day.  The little hatchet is excellent, too.  Two quilted mover's blankets (camo, of course,) and new wildlife guide books - all excellent.  Attached little mattress to cot.  6:15 p.m. - wow, the forest is so noisey!  I hear a woodpecker laughing and lots of creaks and cracks.  Chickadees chatting.  Mimicking a crow, who's talking back to me.  The air is wonderful, but a little cool.  This will be an early night, as it seems twilight has settled in and it is just a moment past 7:00 p.m. [Image: Near Roanoke]